MHS Peer Tutoring Program Encourages Students

MHS Peer Tutoring Program Encourages Students to Ask for Help

Posted on 05/16/2018

Sometimes it can be hard for students in a high-achieving high school like Mason to reach out for help. But students at Mason High School are tackling this issue head on with a peer tutoring program that exploded in its second year.

"We're so proud of our peer tutors, and the students who are reaching out for help. Asking for help is one of the most important steps someone can take - both academically and in a career. This program is building our students skills, character and knowledge," said Dr. Heather Sass, Chief Academic Officer.

During the 2017-18 school year, there were 171 tutors in the program who reached an average of 386 students per week. Students tutor ​in 26 subjects​,​ and also have an internship and independent study component that fosters leadership skills and continued development of the program. Collected Peer Tutoring data shows that 99.4 percent of tutored students feel they have a better understanding of their topic of study at the end of the program. Algebra II was the subject students sought tutoring services for the most, 38 percent of students are studying Algebra II, followed by 18 percent studying Geometry, and 16 percent who study Algebra 1.

Tutors in the MHS Peer Tutoring Program work closely with faculty to understand what is being taught and assigned in their classes, and then the tutors work directly with students to clarify concepts.

"Peer Tutors give at least two days a week to tutor other students in the building​," explained MHS Math teacher Jere Clark who oversees the program.​ "We pride ourselves on taking care of one another ​by creating a supportive and caring culture ​with​in ​MHS​​.​"​ ​
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​The mission​ of Peer Tutoring​ is to provide classmates with ​the ​academic support and problem-solving skills needed to foster lifelong learning. Peer Tutors help classmates who are seeking help, or who have been recommended by teachers, parents, counselors, or assistant principals. They also tutor students who may have an IEP, or who have had an in-school suspension. Students offer tutoring sessions during the day in the Learning Commons, in classrooms, and before and after school.

"Everyone is different, and sometimes you have to slow down to walk with them," shared Peer Tutoring President Noora Basher.

​There are ​four levels of MHS Peer Tutoring: Advisors, Interns, Independent Study, and Tutors. An Independent Study furthers a student's love and understanding for Peer Tutoring, and creates resources for all other peer tutors not in Independent Study. The Internship program begins after a completion of an Independent Study. These students assign students to tutors, collect and input data, troubleshoot issues and concerns, and run peer tutoring meetings with supervision.